Minutes of the City of Lincoln City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, April 14, 2015.
Those present were Alderman Bauer, Alderman Cooper, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Mourning, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Parrott, and Alderman Tibbs. Also present were Street Department Superintendent Mr. Landers, Fire Chief Miller, Building and Safety Officer Mr. Lebegue, EMC/American Water Manager Mr. Ferguson, and Police Chief Greenslate. Also present were Temporary Chairman Neitzel, City Clerk Mrs. Gehlbach, City Attorney Mr. Blinn Bates, City Administrator Mr. Johnson, City Treasurer Mr. Conzo, and Recording Secretary Mrs. Riggs.
Temporary Chairman Neitzel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. There were eight Aldermen present (Alderman Bauer, Alderman Cooper, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Mourning, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Parrott and Alderman Tibbs) and none absent.
Temporary Chairman Neitzel asked for a moment of silence to mark the 150th Anniversary of the Assassination of our 16th President Abraham Lincoln and who Lincoln Illinois was named before he became President and Famous. Temporary Chairman Neitzel led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Participation:
Tammy Goodrich said her family donated the Tropics sign to the City with the intention that it would remain in Lincoln, Illinois. When the City no longer wishes to keep the sign, the sign is to be returned to the Johnson family. The family would help with storage if it is needed.
Wanda Rohlfs was present to discuss the MMIL reimbursement through the TIF grant funding. It was stated that the utility tax will pay whatever is needed to pay for the TIF payment on December 15, 2015. City Administrator Mr. Johnson said a certain percentage is held until a punch list has been approved as being finished with the work through the TIF grant.
Mr. Martin Blitstein asked about what would happen with the Tropics sign. Alderman Bauer said the sign will stay in the City of Lincoln.
Mr. Bob Wilmert was present to discuss the Mill and wanted to let everyone know that some people recently stopped in a classic car to see the Mill and were traveling Route 66 to California.
Presentation by Logan County Alliance
Ms. Andi Hake was present to give an update on what has been happening and different items on the Logan County Alliance list. Some of the items that she talked about were the CEO program, the new marketing, new businesses that she was not able to disclose, and a new website. The website issues have been corrected and DCC marketing was not responsible for the issues. There is now a person in the Alliance that will handle the website and any issues that may arise. The Alliance has never used the City’s EIN number. She handed out the new Visitors Guide which was in a packet for the Aldermen. The Logan County Alliance is currently working on a walking tour.
Presentation by Crawford, Murphy & Tilly – Long Term Control Plan:
The long term control plan is a requirement for the Federal and State EPA. A collection system map that shows the overflows was shown. The regulatory requires a CSO control policy, USEPA and Illinois have control plans that the City must meet. There will be a plan design and then the construction will begin. The City is looking at a 43% increase to cover these improvements.
City Administrator Mr. Johnson said the Council needs to take some sort of action on this and is due by May 1, 2015. He recommended to have this on the agenda for April 20, 2015. Alderman Hoinacki requested this be on the Regular Agenda for Monday, April 20, 2015.
City of Lincoln Branding Initiative Proposal – DCC Marketing:
Alderman Tibbs said to leave this on the table. Alderman Mourning said that DCC Marketing does put out a good product and the City has a strategic plan. Alderman Hoinacki said to leave this on the table. City Administrator Mr. Johnson said it was allocated for this fiscal year and there would be a little more for the following fiscal year. Alderman Bauer said she was comfortable with going forward. Alderman Mourning said if they talk with someone else this will split the project. Alderman Cooper said it should be removed from the table on Monday and voted on.
High Speed Rail Project Updates:
Pekin Street Closure Incentive Stipulated Agreement – Illinois Commerce Commission and Pekin Street Closure Agreement – Union Pacific
City Administrator Mr. Johnson said they spoke at the last COW meeting about the Pekin Street closure and upgrade. The street will remain open until the City receives a Commission Order to close Pekin Street. This will take care of the issue with the temporary closure time being shorter until Pekin Street is permanently closed.
Fifth Street Right-of-Way Acquisition Proposals – Selection of Firm:
City Administrator Mr. Johnson said in March firms were contacted about right-of-way acquisition proposals. There are many components. There are people that handle the whole process. After going through the different proposals, he recommended going with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly out of Springfield, Illinois.
Alderman Bauer said the familiarity alone speaks volumes of the work already being done by Crawford, Murphy & Tilly. This will be placed on the Agenda for April 20, 2015.
TIF Review Committee Façade Grant Application – 515 Broadway:
City Administrator Mr. Johnson said it was his recommendation to place on the agenda and move forward. Alderman Bauer said funds have been earmarked for next fiscal year. Alderman Hoinacki was comfortable with $10,000.00 and possibly suspend any additional request. Alderman Cooper thought they should have guidelines in place before they approve this grant application. Mr. Johnson said there is a second gentleman that is interested as well. Temporary Chairman Neitzel didn’t think the percentage would work. This will be left on the table.
American Water Sewer Operations Contract – 30 Day Extension:
It was agreed to be place this on the Agenda for the 30 day extension for Monday, April 20, 2015.
Resolution: Terminating the Participation of Elected Officials in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
City Administrator Mr. Johnson said there was a change to 1000 hours going to municipal business. The two Aldermen that are currently in the Illinois Municipal League Retirement Fund have decided to start receiving those funds. This also covers the City Treasurer.
This will be placed on the agenda for Monday, April 20, 2015.
Bike Safety Month Proclamation:
This will be placed on the agenda for Monday, April 20, 2015.
Other Discussion:
Fire Chief Miller placed on the agenda to hire a firefighter the first week of May. This is filling a vacant position.
Mr. Johnson said he would like to place on the Agenda the budget amendments.
Executive Session:
There was no executive session.
Upcoming Meetings:
Council: Monday, March 16, 2015 – 7:00 p.m.
Committee of Whole: Tuesday, March 24, 2015 – 7:00 p.m.
Alderman Tibbs made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Alderman Cooper seconded it. There were eight yeas (Alderman Bauer, Alderman Cooper, Alderman Hoinacki, Alderman Horn, Alderman Mourning, Alderman Neitzel, Alderman Parrott and Alderman Tibbs) and none absent.
The City of Lincoln Committee of the Whole Meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Risa Riggs
Recording Secretary
City of Lincoln